Ariel Gordon, a senior at Amityville High School competed in the 2009 AAU National Championships at Disney Wide World of Sports in Florida. Ariel, a talented athlete, has many achievements. A resident of Massapequa, she is on the track and field team at Amityville High School where she made the All League and All County teams for the past four years.

Ariel Gordon - Photo by Joe Turner In the competition in Florida, Gordon and her team, Metropolis, which included over 90 young men and women, competed in the 400k, the 100k, the 4x1 and 4x4 races. Ariel and a smaller group of girls from the Metropolis team won first place in both the 4x1 and 4x4. “It was a great experience,” said Ariel. “It was certainly a lot more difficult to compete in Florida because of the hot weather.” After her team scored top honors in the races, Ariel made the All-American High School, which is an honor reserved only for those who obtain first place in the prestigious races at the AAU National Championship. Although Ariel enjoyed competing with her team in the National Championship, some of her most memorable moments are her own personal achievements. “I love PRing- or personal records,” Ariel said. “Every time I run the 400K I break my own record. It’s very difficult to do that every time because it’s my weakest race.” Carol Gordon, Ariel’s mother, is her daughter's most avid fan. “I admire my daughter because every time she ran, she beat her own personal best,” Gordon said. “She is actually someone I look up to.” Ariel is the daughter of Carol Gordon of Massapequa and Calvin Gordon of Patchogue. Aftergraduating high school, Ariel plans to continue her athletic career in college and hopes to obtain a full scholarship for track and field.